Pan-African philosophers



Egyptian Goddess Maat

In order to coherently discuss Pan-African philosophers, working definitions of “Pan-African” and “philosophy” can be quite helpful.

The Pan-African movement began as far back as the late 18^th century – when displaced Africans began uniting against slavery, white supremacy and colonialism.  These earliest efforts included the writing of petitions, letters and pamphlets – the allegiance to universalist ideologies such as those of Freemasonry – and an overall solidarity with Africans throughout Africa and the Caribbean.

Although “Philosophy” might seem too nebulous to define,  Merriam-Webster includes this phrase in its four-part definition:  the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group.  This frees up the term from the ivory-tower image that many ascribe to it.  Philosophy is not just relegated to universities and arcane societies.  It is a living, breathing part of everyday life, and is reflected in traditions the world over.

There is no one Pan-African philosophy.  African philosophers reflect (and co-create) the rich diversity of Africa itself.  For example, Augustine of Hippo in today’s language would be Augustine of Algeria.  He was bishop from 396 to 430 CE in this formerly Roman-ruled, North-African center of Christianity.  Three great Islamic philosophers – Ibn Bajjah, Averroes, and Ibn Sabin – lived in Morocco and heartily debated the merits of Plato and Aristotle.  Dr. Maulana Kaurenga wrote an 803-page thesis on Maat, an ancient Egyptian philosophy.

Kaurenga also founded the holiday Kwanzaa in order to nurture and share the very best of Pan-African philosophy and tradition.  His 2010 Welcome on the  Official Kwanzaa Website states:  …Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.

Resources

http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaida#Kawaida

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy

http://www.answers.com/topic/pan-africanism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maat

Copyright on December 30, 2010 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved